TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Adlington man and stalwart Citizen distributor who died on Saturday February 26.

Bernard English, 70, of The Common, led an active retirement and continued to deliver the paper to the majority of the village, near Chorley, until shortly before his death.

He worked a minimum of four rounds a week for over 10 years and was a much-loved and respected member of the team. He continued with his rounds until last month before being diagnosed with cancer just three weeks ago.

The Citizen's area distributor, Christine Shannon, said: "Bernard enjoyed keeping active and was very reliable. I think he enjoyed being out and about meeting his friends around the village.

He was always the first to volunteer if we needed someone to fill in."

Bernard and his wife Margaret, 70, lived in the village for over 50 years. He worked at Pincroft Dyeing and Printing for 23 years as a manager and had started his working life unloading coal barges at Wigan Pier.

He also leaves four children, Paul, Alan, Karen and Gillian.

Alan, 45, said: "The word that keeps cropping up when people talk about dad is 'gentleman'. He enjoyed working with his hands and we joke that he could make anything.

"He was a passionate Man United fan and all his children and grandchildren had their first experience of going to a match with him

"We are a large, close family and he will be deeply missed by us all."

The cremation of Mr English took place at 10am on Friday March 4 at Overdale.